Community orchards are getting lots of publicity as it is a way to engage a local community, as well as benefiting the local wildlife, educating all ages into habitat management, conservation and volunteering. Also with apple trees, you will get something back at autumn time for your hard work – “Local People Growing Local Fruit“.

You will also find there are lots of corporate companies supporting these initiatives with grant funding – which covers costs of tools and training. View the full list of options on the Orchard Network site.

Government Community orchard ‘how to’ guide

The Government recognises the value for communities of green spaces – parks, orchards,
allotments, gardens etc – and, as part of the localism and decentralisation agenda, has
committed to measures that will enable individuals and communities to gain access to the
land they need.

So they have published a guide that is aimed at helping community groups conserve or create community orchards. Download / view it here.

Community orchard case studies

A list of case studies has been produced to show the great work that is going on in
communities around community orchards and provide you with some inspiration.

Local Community orchard group flyers

Informative leaflet from Brighton Permaculture Trust –

Presentation from Dorking community orchard –